Graigue Ballycallan chairman Dave O’Neill has once again reiterated his stance that the current lack of wage cover for players who sustain injury while playing for their clubs is not adequate.
There has been widespread criticism from all quarters regarding the predicament that players and clubs could find themselves in should they injure themselves while representing their clubs.
O’Neill gave an insight into the damage that could be done to players and clubs should no action be taken.
“The effect that this would have on the players and the exposure that would come on the club would be very worrying.
“With the insurance cover of upwards of €7800 removed, if you had a situation whereby players did get injured throughout the year, you could be €20,000 out of pocket and how you would make that up I just do not know,” said O’Neill.
The Ballycallan man suggested that there could be a knock effect for player participation should the present situation remain unattended to.
“We need the cover because if players don’t feel like they have cover then they won’t come back to the clubs. So, we have to get this sorted and this has to be a priority before we even think about coming back.”
O’Neill was not surprised to see that there has been an increase in interest from people to come back to the club after years of inactivity.
He said: “We have an enormous uptake in the club. We are going to have three teams next year.
“One after another players expressed interest of coming back and it’s very important that they have an outlet because who knows what we will be able to do this summer?”
He also delved into the reasoning behind why there has been a significant drop off in participation by players in their later teenage years.
“The single biggest issue with the fall off of players is the amount of game time that minor county players get.
“The greatest opportunity to keep players on the field is to engage with them in the form of competitive games and the whole intercounty minor scene is detrimental to both country and city clubs.”
